Open Door Policy

Couple Shares Home With Immigrants

In making the American dream a possibility to a young couple from Belarus, Gary and Elisa Banziger of Hampton have gone from a quiet family of two to a busy household of five.

Through their volunteer work with the American Belarussian Relief Organization, the Banzigers have helped Oleg Bul, his wife Alena and their son, 2-year-old Sasha, move to the United States. And although this isn't something that normally comes of volunteering with ABRO, the Banzigers believe that helping this family was the higher purpose of their involvement.

"We consider this our success story because we have given an entire family a chance at life," said Elisa.

In 2000, an ABRO host coordinator came to the Banzigers' church -- Temple Baptist Church in Newport News. The host told the congregation of the situation in Belarus, a small country north of Ukraine, which received approximately 70 percent of the radiation damage from the 1986 nuclear power plant accident at Chernobyl.

Although the full effects of Chernobyl are still not known -- even 16 years after the accident -- the health of those living in areas affected by the radiation has declined. Marked increases are noted in cases of thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, leukemia, birth defects and vitamin deficiencies. And the average life expectancy of a child is 26.

In 1993, ABRO was born as a unique partnership between concerned people of both Belarus and the United States to bring Belarussian children to this country for six weeks in the summer in order to give the children a chance to rest from the physical and emotional stresses of living in a contaminated environment.

Host families, in addition to providing a safe and healthy environment, have the opportunity to expose their Belarussian guests to American life.

The Banzigers decided that they were interested in becoming a host family, but as they had no children, it was suggested that they instead host the program chaperon, a Belarussian who accompanies the children to act as a translator or help in cases of emergency.

And thus, Oleg Bul stayed with the Banzigers during the summer.

"We just fell in love with him. He really cares about the kids. He's so generous and giving. He's like extended family to us," said Elisa.

During his stay, the Banzigers learned that Oleg's wife in Belarus was pregnant. The country's failing economy, in addition to the radiation levels, make life in Belarus very difficult, and many children are born with birth defects.

Oleg was hopeful for a healthy child.

The Banzigers, and members of their church, were able to send prenatal vitamins to Alena during her pregnancy. And when Oleg's stay was over, he was sent home with more vitamins, baby clothes and diapers.

A healthy boy named Sasha was born Sept. 7, 2000.

The Banzigers kept in touch with their Belarussian friend, and in January 2001, they participated in ABRO's Christmas program, a goodwill trip to Belarus. The Banzigers traveled light so that they would instead be able to stock their bags with gifts for the new baby as well as items for the orphanages and children's hospital they visited.

"What struck me as interesting," said Gary, "was the fact that in the orphanages, the kids were most excited by fruit. They ignored toys and clothes but just went crazy over the fruit we brought. Their bodies are just screaming for vitamins."

After their return, the Banzigers still kept in touch with Oleg and made plans to host two more chaperones that summer.

In April, they received some extraordinary news. Alena was selected in the diversity lottery.

Regarding immigration, the United States is a closed country. Each year, based on percentages, a select number of citizens in various countries are given the opportunity to immigrate from their country.

The odds of being selected are miniscule, and the process from selection to actual immigration is long, expensive and difficult. In addition to the financial hardship of the process, there are physical tests and interviews to pass.

Oleg was lucky in that he had resources and connections through his work with ABRO. And he had the Banzigers' help -- as well as the help of Temple Baptist Church.

On Aug. 29, the Banzigers picked up the Buls in Washington, D.C. They brought them to their home in Phoebus -- giving them their own space in an upstairs bedroom, a toddler bed for Sasha and a very well-stocked refrigerator.

Once here, Oleg found a job as a computer programmer analyst with Amerigroup in Virginia Beach.

In 2003, the Buls plan to find their own place. But in the meantime, the Banzigers are happy to have the company.

"It's kind of like having a teenager in the house. We just took Oleg to get his learner's permit at the DMV, taught him how to write a check and open a bank account," said Gary.

Oleg plans to continue his work with ABRO -- helping from the American side of the program.

But mostly, Oleg is very excited to be in America. "We tried to change our life and do what we can do." He added, "The Banzigers are truly nice. I think they have a big heart to be so kind."

"To be involved in the American dream for one family is remarkable," said Elisa. Gary nods his head to concur.

GARY AND ELISA BANZIGER

WHO: Volunteers with the American Belarussian Relief Organization

AGES: He is 31, she is 32

HOME: Phoebus

FAMILY: Three cats, Snuggles, Hoppy and Musasa

OCCUPATIONS: He is a videographer for NASA and she is the co-owner of ARTicles in Poquoson

AMERICAN BELARUSSIAN RELIEF ORGANIZATION

Since 1991, more than 3,100 Belarussian children have made the trip to the United States for rest and medical evaluation through the efforts of ABRO. Another 400 children have benefited from the summer camps held in the uncontaminated region of Belarus. For volunteer information or to make a donation, call 865-9291, or visit www.abro.org.